THINGS WE COULDN'T SAY by Jay Coles

 

High school junior Gio Zander works hard to keep up his grades, to be an asset to the basketball team, and to be a good big brother to Theo. His father is a preacher and his stepmother makes sure to be there for the two boys. Gio has two best friends, Ayesha and Olly. They are the only ones who know his secret. Gio is bi.

Not sure what his teammates and coach would think about his sexuality, Gio keeps things on the downlow, but when a new kid moves into the neighborhood, Gio is attracted to him like he never has been before. David is open about the fact that he is also bi, but he quickly understands that Gio hasn't come out yet and is reluctant to do so. A fast friendship forms between the two, but Gio has other things on his mind that keep him from giving his full attention to David.

Years ago Gio's mom left. There was never an explanation about why, and Gio has gotten used to her absence. Lately, he has wondered a bit about why she left, and that curiosity increases when he receives a surprise email from her. His father doesn't want him to reply, but his stepmother quietly encourages him to hear her out and find out for himself where she's been and why she chose to leave. Getting some answers seems like a good idea, but will there be more disappointment than satisfaction when he learns more of her story?

Author Jay Coles takes readers on a ride with Gio as he learns the power of truth, family, and friendship. It isn't always the people related by blood that form powerful family bonds. Sometimes it is the people you choose to bring into your life who become a different kind of family.